Cunningham Law Firm
OUR TEAM
When you work with the Cunningham Law Firm, you are represented by America’s Top Burn Injury Lawyers.
Matt Cunningham
Matt Cunningham is a trial attorney whose practice has concentrated exclusively in plaintiff’s personal injury litigation for 33 years. He has handled numerous cases involving defective products, catastrophic injury and wrongful death. He is listed in the Top 100 Trial Lawyers by The American Trial Lawyers Association, Southwest Super Lawyers 2010 – 2013 and Arizona’s Finest Lawyers, Top Attorneys in Arizona in the May 2013 issue of Phoenix Magazine. He is an admitted member of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum.
More About Matt
Matt has obtained several multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements on behalf of his clients. In 2008 Matt Cunningham, as lead counsel in Mutuvi-Kavu v. Electrolux Home Products Inc., obtained one of the largest product liability verdicts in Arizona state history ($43,112,000).
Over the course of his career, Matt has handled numerous burn injury related cases and has developed an expertise in this area. These cases have involved propane, natural gas explosions, products causing automotive and/or home fires, as well as electrical, scald and chemical-related burns.
In addition to Arizona, he has handled burn-related cases throughout the United States. He is recognized by professionals in this area as a true advocate.
Joe Cunningham
Joseph Cunningham is a third-generation attorney whose passion for helping others runs deep. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Economics from Northern Arizona University where he graduated magna cum laude and went on to earn his law degree from Gonzaga University School of Law. With a legacy of legal service behind him, Joseph combines tradition with a forward-thinking approach to deliver outstanding representation for his clients.
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As a proud supporter of the burn community, Joseph finds inspiration in resilience and connection. He has taken part in transformative experiences like the Valleywise Kilimanjaro trip and the Arizona Burn Foundation Rim to Rim hike, reflecting his dedication to both personal growth and community impact. At Cunningham Law Firm, Joseph is committed to providing compassionate, strategic legal representation while honoring the values instilled by his family’s multigenerational commitment to the burn community.
Zach Kotoske
Zach Kotoske is an attorney at Cunningham Law Firm whose practice concentrates exclusively on plaintiff’s personal injury, with a focus on burn-injury cases. Known for treating his clients like family, Zach combines heartfelt dedication and zealous advocacy with a proven track record, having secured millions of dollars in compensation for those he serves.
More About Zach
Prior to joining Cunningham Law Firm, Zach clerked with a prominent mass tort – class action litigation firm in Miami, Florida, representing individuals that had been injured as a result of the BP Deepwater Horizon explosion. There, he obtained valuable experience in all aspects of civil and complex multi-district litigation. This foundation has equipped him to navigate even the most challenging legal battles with confidence and precision.
A proud graduate of the University of Miami School of Law, Zach distinguished himself as a standout advocate during his time as a member of the Charles C. Papy Moot Court Board, Miami’s premier society for oral and written advocacy. Arguing in front of the Honorable Barbara Lagoa (U.S. Court of Appeals, 11th Circuit), Cecilia Altonaga (Chief Judge, U.S. Southern District of Florida), and Roy Altman (U.S. Southern District of Florida), Zach placed first out of over 100 advocates in the John T. Gaubatz Moot Court Competition and was a recipient of the coveted “Best Brief Award” for his exceptional legal writing.
With a commitment to excellence and a genuine passion for helping others, Zach brings both expertise and empathy to every case he handles.
James P. “Jim” Cunningham
(In Memoriam) Founder of the Firm
James P. “Jim” Cunningham, founder of our firm, passed away at the age of 85 on October 23, 2022. Born in Chicago, Illinois, he moved to Arizona in 1947 and went on to become one of the state’s most respected personal injury attorneys. Throughout his long and distinguished career, Jim embodied the spirit of advocacy, driven by an unwavering commitment to justice and compassion for others.
More About Our Founder, Jim Cunningham
As a certified personal injury and wrongful death specialist, Jim earned a reputation for standing up for the downtrodden, the injured, and the grieving—always fighting tirelessly on behalf of those in need. Whether securing record-breaking verdicts or dedicating his resources to support clients through their most challenging times, he approached every case with empathy, courage, and an unwavering sense of duty.
Jim’s devotion to the community extended well beyond his professional pursuits. Known for his unmatched generosity, he frequently supported charitable endeavors and never hesitated to assist those facing hardship or uncertainty. Guided by the principle that to whom much is given, much is expected, Jim demonstrated genuine kindness in every facet of his life, leaving a tangible impact on countless individuals throughout Arizona.
Proud of his Irish heritage, Jim fostered a cultural legacy that lives on in the region. He led efforts to establish the first St. Patrick’s Day parade down Central Avenue in Phoenix, advocated for the development of the local Irish Cultural Center, and brought a spirit of celebration and heritage to the community he loved. His vision, compassion, and unwavering moral compass continue to guide our firm and inspire all who had the privilege of knowing him.
A Legacy of Excellence in Burn Injury Representation
Having secured some of the largest burn injury verdicts and settlements in Arizona history, our team knows exactly what it takes to build the strongest possible case. We identify the most critical evidence, work with top medical professionals, and engage the nation’s leading experts to ensure no detail is overlooked. With extensive expertise in fire science, product defects, building code violations, and gas explosions, our staff approaches every case with precision and determination.
For decades, our team has been unwavering in its advocacy for burn survivors. Every staff member has been with the firm for over 20 years, bringing a depth of experience that extends far beyond legal representation. We understand the medical complexities, long-term challenges, and emotional toll that burn injuries impose. By handling every legal aspect with skill and dedication, we allow our clients and their families to focus fully on recovery. Our long-standing commitment reflects our relentless pursuit of justice and holding negligent parties accountable.
Beyond the courtroom, our staff is deeply involved in burn prevention and survivor support efforts. We have played a key role in launching smoke alarm installation programs, advancing fire safety advocacy, and supporting organizations like the Arizona Burn Foundation and the Phoenix Society. Many of our clients stay connected with us long after their cases are resolved—an enduring testament to the impact of our compassion, expertise, and dedication.